25-Year-Old Woman Overcomes Long-Standing Constipation with Acupuncture and Lifestyle Changes

Summary: A 25-year-old woman struggled with chronic constipation for three years. Despite undergoing two colonoscopies that showed no abnormalities, she experienced slow intestinal motility and poor response to multiple medications. Her condition worsened a week before seeking treatment at our clinic. She was diagnosed with lifestyle-induced chronic constipation. A comprehensive treatment plan including acupuncture, moxibustion, and lifestyle adjustments was implemented over six months, leading to significant improvement in her symptoms.

Patient Profile: Female, 25 years old

Diagnosis: Chronic Constipation

Treatment Facility: PLA Joint Logistics Support Force 988 Hospital

Treatment Period: August 2021 – February 2022

Treatment Method: Acupuncture point thread embedding (at Zhongwan, Xiawan, Tianshu, Dachangshu, Zusanli, and Pishu points), abdominal moxibustion, and lifestyle modifications.

Treatment Duration: Outpatient care for 6 months

Outcome: Normalized bowel movements and relief from discomfort

Initial Consultation:

The patient reported that her digestive issues began three years earlier while working night shifts at a hot pot restaurant. Irregular eating habits, skipped meals, and late-night binge eating led to progressive constipation and bloating. Despite normal results from two colonoscopies and the use of various over-the-counter laxatives, her condition did not improve. With more than a week of complete bowel obstruction, she finally sought professional help. Based on her medical history and symptoms, a diagnosis of chronic constipation caused by unhealthy lifestyle patterns was made.

Treatment Approach:

A holistic, non-pharmacological strategy was developed after thorough discussion with the patient:

Lifestyle Modification: The patient was advised to switch to day shifts if possible, maintain regular meal times with balanced nutrition, include more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, and ensure adequate sleep by going to bed before 11 PM. She was also instructed to sit on the toilet around 6 AM daily regardless of urge, to establish a consistent bowel routine.

Acupuncture Point Thread Embedding: Every three weeks, absorbable catgut sutures were embedded into specific acupoints (Zhongwan, Xiawan, Tianshu, Dachangshu, Zusanli, and Pishu) to stimulate gastrointestinal function and promote natural bowel movements.

Home Moxibustion Therapy: The patient performed self-guided abdominal moxibustion nightly using moxa sticks or bags, combined with clockwise abdominal massage for at least 20 minutes to enhance digestion and relieve bloating.

Progress and Outcome:

After three months of treatment, the patient reported better sleep, reduced hair loss, and two successful bowel movements per week with improved stool consistency. By the end of six months, she had regular bowel movements every one to two days, no more bloating, and fully integrated healthy habits into her daily life. She expressed high satisfaction with the results and felt more energetic in both work and personal life.

Ongoing Recommendations:

While the patient's condition improved significantly, long-term maintenance is crucial. Key recommendations include:

Nutrition: Consistent, balanced meals without skipping or overeating; avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, spicy or cold foods.

Mental Health: Managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being, as psychological factors greatly influence gut health.

Physical Activity: Engaging in 30–40 minutes of aerobic exercise daily to support digestion and overall wellness.

Clinical Insight:

With modern lifestyles becoming increasingly sedentary and stressful, gastrointestinal disorders are affecting younger populations more frequently. As seen in this case, many digestive conditions stem from poor dietary choices, erratic schedules, and emotional strain. While medication may offer temporary relief, lasting recovery often depends on sustainable lifestyle changes. For young adults balancing family and career demands, guiding them toward manageable health habits can make a transformative difference in their quality of life.